Q
Pricing & Estimating11 min read
What is the Standard Markup on Contractor Materials?
The standard markup on contractor materials is 15% to 20% for general contractors and 30% to 50% for specialty trades. Stop losing money on procurement.
QuotrPro Blog
Expert advice for contractors: pricing, estimating, and business growth.
Page 4
Q
Project Walkthroughs9 min read
LVP Flooring Installation Cost: The $3/Sq Ft Minimum You Must Charge
The baseline lvp flooring installation cost per square foot for labor is $3.00 to $5.00. Never include floor prep, tear-out, or baseboards in this base rate.
Q
Client Relations10 min read
How to Fire a Nightmare Client Mid-Project (Legally)
To legally fire a client mid project, document contract breaches, issue a formal Stop Work notice, and refund unearned deposits minus labor and material costs.
Q
Trade Skills10 min read
HVAC Service Call Pricing: The $350 Capacitor Replacement Strategy
Profitable HVAC service call pricing requires charging $350+ for basic repairs using flat-rate methods to cover your fully stocked van and expertise.
Q
Project Walkthroughs10 min read
200 Amp Panel Upgrade Cost Breakdown: Don't Quote Under $2,500
The true 200 amp panel upgrade cost should never fall below $2,500. See the exact material, labor, and hidden margin-killers that demand a $2,500+ estimate.
Q
Trade Skills10 min read
HVAC Changeout Labor Times: Stop Bidding for an 8 PM Finish
A standard 3-ton HVAC split system changeout requires 16 to 20 man-hours. Accurately price your HVAC changeout labor to protect margins and stop working late.
Q
Safety & Code Compliance11 min read
Liability for Repairing Unpermitted Work: When to Walk Away from a $15k Job
Touching unpermitted work makes you legally responsible for it. Learn how to avoid the "last man in" liability trap and when to mandate a tear-out.
Q
Client Relations8 min read
Why Clients Ghost After Estimates (And The 24-Hour Follow Up Script)
Clients ghost after estimates due to sticker shock or confusion. Stop the silence by pre-qualifying budgets and sending a proven 24-hour follow-up text message.
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Client Relations10 min read
How to Charge for Change Orders Without Losing the Client
To charge for change orders effectively, immediately stop work, calculate labor plus a 30% markup, and get a signature before touching the new scope.
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Hiring & Team10 min read
How Much to Pay a Contractor Helper (And The 3 Signs It's Time to Fire Them)
To pay a contractor helper, expect $18-$22/hr for beginners and $25-$30/hr for experienced hands. Factor in a 30% burden rate for taxes and workers comp.
Q
Legal & Insurance9 min read
Contractor Liability Insurance Cost: What $1M Actually Covers
Contractor liability insurance cost averages $800 to $1,200 annually for a standard $1M policy, but hidden exclusions can leave you paying out of pocket.
Q
Tools & Technology11 min read
The Best Estimating Software for Small Contractors (Ditch the Excel Sheet)
The best contractor estimating software for small operators is Jobber, Housecall Pro, or Joist. They replace Excel with fast quotes and on-site signatures.